Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 November 2016
66. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her views on the practice of online betting companies using software to track persons' online betting habits to target them for marketing purposes in view of the fact some betting companies claim the software is an anti-fraud measure; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33998/16]
View answer67. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality her plans to appoint a dedicated gambling regulator; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33999/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 67 together.
The Deputy will be aware that the General Scheme of the Gambling Control Bill was published in July 2013 following approval by the Government and is currently in drafting by the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel. The aim of the Bill is to update all existing laws on the regulation of gambling, including betting and gaming but excluding the National Lottery. It will provide for the licensing of all forms of on-line gambling.
The bill proposes to confer responsibility for all regulatory matters on the Minister for Justice and Equality. The Minister's functions as set out in the draft Scheme include licensing, inspections and prosecutions, and it is envisaged that these functions will be carried out by a body located within the Department of Justice and Equality. The General Scheme also provides for a dedicated inspectorate to ensure compliance by licence holders with the terms of their licences and with the new legislation generally.
The proposed legislation has consumer protection generally as one of its core principles, and it is envisaged that it will include several measures aimed at the protection of vulnerable persons, including children, from risks to their well-being arising from gambling. The Scheme includes measures that will require licence holders to act in a socially responsible way. These measures will include controls on advertising, promotions and sponsorship.
As regards progressing the proposed legislation, departmental officials are currently reviewing the Scheme published in 2013, taking account of intervening developments and technologies in the gaming sector. This review will help to update policy in this area. I am also considering whether some sections might be prioritised as they may require more immediate action rather than is possible with the longer, more detailed Bill. It is the intention that work on such early measures will continue in tandem with the wider review of the existing Scheme of a Bill to avoid any undue delay.
